Be Aware Of Scams

June 26, 2013

Unfortunately, these days there always seems to be a new scam taking place in the area. Just this week we became aware of an individual in the area doing a "survey" for cleaning items. The individual, a man, is asking those at residences if they live alone, along with some other odd questions.

If ever in doubt, please do not hesitate to call the Wetzel County Sheriff's Office or the West Virginia State Police. Remember never to give out personal information and, as always, remain cautious.

Also, the Better Business Bureau just said many local seniors are receiving a prerecorded telemarketing call pitching a personal emergency alarm system. The recording warns the alarm is necessary to protect against a long list of dangers, such as break-ins and medical emergencies. It claims that you can get an alarm system worth several hundred dollars installed for free.

The recording prompts you to press a button and speak to a live person for verification; however, victims reported that staff refuses to provide basic business information, such as the company's address. Many consumers who contacted the BBB were also unaware there would be a $30 monthly monitoring fee for the system.

The alarm business goes by a variety of names, including "Senior Emergency Care", "Senior Safety Alert", "American Senior Benefits Program" and "Senior Safe Alert". Typically, the calls appear to come from an area code in the surrounding region, but these numbers can be misrepresented.

The BBB suggests people be wary of "free" offers that ask you to pay a handling fee or other hidden charges or implies endorsement from a well-known organization. For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.